Capturing the Moment

Walking the markets of Zanzibar Welcome to the Spice Island   While walking through the open air bazaars and ancient Persian architecture of Zanzibar's Stone Town we couldn't feel farther away from the dancing Maasai and hunting lions of East Africa. It is like walking through a different continent. Monument to the slaves  Known as possibly the most famous of the Spice Islands, Zanzibar's main hub is Stone Town. For years it was the haunt of the ruling Omani class. In 1840 the Sultan of Oman moved his seat from Muscat, Oman to Stone Town. This is when much of the stone work was begun.  In the late 1800's it was also the site of one of the most prolific slave markets in the Indian Ocean. A lot of Americans think that the slave trade was limited to the Atlantic Ocean, so the group was surprised to hear about a second major trade from the East coast of Africa sending slaves up to the Middle East. However, once the British outlawed slavery the fortunes o...

  Diving Zanzibar: From the Roof to the Basement of Africa   Pool scene at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel With this adventure Jack and I completed the 19,401ft descent from the tallest point in Africa, the summit of Kilimanjaro to 60ft below sea level off the coast of Mnemba Atoll near Zanzibar, Africa. Stone Town, Zanzibar Ornate Door in Stone Town Zanzibar is a collection of islands off the coast of East Africa. The fact that the main island of Unguja, which is now generally referred to as Zanzibar, provided a defensible harbor which led to it becoming a strategic trading post for Arab, Indian, and Chinese traders. Together with Mafia Island, Zanzibar is often nicknamed the "Spice Islands" due to it main exports of spices including nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. The wealth and rich history of Zanzibar can easily be seen today by strolling through the World Heritage Site of Stone Town with it's massive ornately carved doors, minarets, and su...